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3. Stitch’s Great Escape! at Magic Kingdom

Stitch's Great Escape - Image ©Disney

If you ask adult Disney guests their opinion of Stitch’s Great Escape!, you’ll be answered with a yawn. If you ask children, you’ll get a look of sheer terror. Neither of these is really want Disney wants from a family attraction.

In an effort to make the original attraction, ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter, less terrifying for young audiences, Disney somehow managed to make it boring for adults but just as scary for kids. The thrill is gone for anyone over the age of twelve, the story behind the ride is more boring than ever, but the addition of Stitch doesn’t tone the scary parts down enough for young kids.

Unfortunately, I can’t really think of anything Disney can do to “fix” this ride/show. I think it’s about time for a completely new attraction. To save money, Disney could use the same fixtures to make a Star Wars-themed show. They could remove the tube in the center of the room and replace it with holograms of various characters from the movies. These characters could then interact with the audience by using “the force” and talking to specific audience members (a la Turtle Talk with Crush). The show could be featured as a Jedi Training class, and perhaps a Sith Lord could interrupt the formalities to stir things up a bit. Star Wars will be overtaking Hollywood Studios soon enough, but there’s room for the franchise at Magic Kingdom, too.

4. Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot

Ellen's Energy Adventure - Image ©Disney

Ellen’s Energy Adventure is a good idea, but it’s just way too long for most audiences. An easy fix would be to cut the pre-show completely and edit the main show down to about half its current length.

However, to really grab audience attention, the ride needs an overhaul. It could still focus on dinosaurs, but the show is completely unnecessary. They should just expand the ride-through section and talk about dinosaurs throughout the trip. Riders could stop in front of various creatures for an overview of each genus.  The pre-show area could be converted to a museum of sorts, with interactive exhibits and fossils.

5. The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at Magic Kingdom

Magic Carpets of Aladdin - Image ©Disney

The Magic Carpets are completely unnecessary, in my opinion. The Magic Kingdom already has two similar rides, AstroOrbiter and Dumbo. The carpets should be removed, and Disney could use this area for something else—a show, a covered seating area, or whatever they like.

However, Aladdin needs to be represented at Disney World, and the series of movies are definitely popular enough to warrant a big attraction. Disney should follow Universal’s path and construct a ride that’s similar to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Guests could “fly” on the magic carpet through various parts of Agrabah, and the ride’s finale could be a daring escape from the Cave of Wonders.

None of these ideas are likely to happen, but I can’t help wishing for some exciting new rides and shows at my favorite theme park. Disney just doesn’t like to add any attractions until it’s absolutely necessary, which is why so many rides get old and stale before they’re replaced.

The company should really capitalize on some of its most popular films from the 80s and 90s, in my opinion. Adults who visit Disney World with their kids today are the same people who grew up with classics like Aladdin, The Lion King, and more. Quite frankly, Disney attractions today are either too outdated or too new for the interests of this generation. Universal Studios somehow manages to keep up with the latest technology trends, tweaking their rides and attractions before guests get bored; why can’t Disney do the same?

 
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